Natural Diuretics For Edema

Edema is a condition that causes excess fluid build up in certain parts of the body, such as ankles, feet, legs, and fingers. As a result, these body parts appear swollen. However, edema, also known as water retention, is rarely a symptom of any serious health condition, and mainly occurs due to high blood pressure. In order to reduce accumulation of excess fluids, patients are often advised to decrease salt intake as salty foods contribute to water retention.

Natural Diuretics for Edema

Diuretics are commonly given to patients to treat edema. Diuretics are medicines (water pills) that help to decrease swelling. Natural diuretics are always a better choice as they relieve the condition without causing any side effects. However, it is recommended that natural diuretics should be used properly. This is because overuse of these medicines can drain, along with excess water, essential vitamins and minerals.

Natural diuretics work by stimulating urine flow, thus helping the body to get rid of accumulated fluid in the tissues. The natural diuretics given below assist the kidneys to remove waste.

Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits high in water content can help increase the frequency of urination. These natural diuretics can play a significant role to restrict water retention. Patients need to include these foods in their diet to alleviate swelling. Some of the foods rich in water are given below:

• Watermelon
• Celery
• Onions
• Cucumber
• Grapes

Foods that show diuretic properties can also benefit to increase urine formation. Natural diuretic foods are a safer option, especially when the person has a major health issue such as kidney disease:

• Asparagus
• Artichoke
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Brussels Sprouts
• Tomatoes
• Parsley

Carrots, green carrot leaves, and carrot seed oil produce a detoxifying effect on the body and are also very helpful in the treatment of edema. Cabbage leaves when wrapped around the feet can also work to decrease peripheral edema.

Herbs
Certain herbs exhibit diuretic properties as well, and including them in a diet would definitely enhance kidney performance, and thereby improve the body's ability to remove waste. To put an end to edema, the following diuretic herbs, when taken in the form of tea or added in a cup of hot water, can certainly serve the purpose.

• Dandelion
• Garlic
• Linden
• Hawthorn
• Bilberry
• Alfalfa
• Aqua Rite

Green Tea
Edema sufferers can also drink green tea to reduce the swelling noticed in the feet and legs. Green tea is more effective when taken with ginger. Studies reveal that this form of natural herbal remedies for edema can surely bring down swelling and get rid of edema in a short time.

Herbal extracts or herbal medicines available in the market also do not allow the body to retain fluids. However, before buying these extracts, commonly regarded as natural treatment for edema, one needs to carefully read the labels and ensure that they contain the relevant herbs to get the desired result.

An important point to note that taking foodstuffs that display diuretic properties may promote elimination of essential electrolytes (potassium). So to avoid electrolyte imbalance, one needs to consume potassium supplements or foods high in potassium (bananas), when taking these natural diuretics.